Ignition cable



J. TAYLOR 1,989,893

IGNITION CABLE Feb. 5, 1935.

Filed April 25, 1952 A? /4 2a 2 i 4 4 3% m INVENTOR, .]0%/7 ZEry/ar.

BY 28W ,0 72 @ZM ATTORNEYS.

Patented F b. s, 1935 IU NlTED STATES? IGNITION CABLE John Taylor, Kansas City, Mo., assignor to Maynie C. Taylor, Kansas Cit y, Mo.

Application April 25. 1932, Serial in. 607,373

12 Claims. (01. 1'I3-269) This invention. relates to ignition cables, and particularly such electrical, conductors as are used in connection with internal combustion engines for the purpose of conveying electrical 5 energy from coil to distributor and from distributor to the various spark plugs associated with the engine.

The primary object of this invention is. to provide ignition cable structure that will permit the sale of a set of ignition cables for any particular make of motor car, which set may be installed without manipulation of the parts of the cable, and especially without altering the length of any one of the cables.

It is well known in this art that a large amount of insulated wire and a great number of cable fittings arewasted as a result of having to change the length of ignition cables when installation of a new set actually takes place.

The present invention contemplates the assembly of ignition cables of predetermined lengths and the bringing together of such cables into sets or groups, which may be installed without alteration of any nature. This statement with respect to the invention holds true whether the connection to the spark plugs must be made by angling the terminals of the cables or whether or not such connection might be made without setting the terminal of the cable at an angle removed from the normal longitudinal alignment set up between terminal member and cable proper. 1

To accomplish the above-mentioned broad ob-' jects, the invention aims to provide lengths of ignition cable having tips of similar form and structure associated therewith at each end,

which tips are provided with means whereby .con-.

nection to coil and distributor might take place without the use of additional equipment, but the connection to spark plugs is affected only by adding terminals of appropriate nature. In some instances, thrust terminals are used, while snap terminals are required with other types of spark plugs. Also, it becomes necessary to make what is known 'as an angled connection to the spark plug, thus requiring, under normal conditions, a vast amount of adjustment, manipulation and substitution of different parts.

As a result of the foregoing, therefore, one of the salient objects of this invention is the contemplation of novel coupling and terminal members, whereby, when it is known with which automobile the ignition set is to be used, the entire set may be assembled for the purchaser so that there need be no mechanical rearrangement of the parts thereof at the time oi actual installation. Since the cables themselves are all made to exact length and have tips thereon, the group of cables of appropriate and proper length are sold to the customer and only the required num- 5 ber of couplings, together with the correct type of terminals, need be presented when the sale is made.

Some of the more important objects of this invention include the specific structure built into the unique coupling and the novel form of terminal which coacts with said coupling to create a proper electrical conductor between the parts above-mentioned.

' tirely removed and the coupling separated from operative relation with the tip carried by one end of the cable.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged, longitudinal, cross section through one end of the ignition cable illustrating the relation of parts thereat.

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of a coupling in place onthe end of an ignition cable and illustrating two positions of the adjustable terminal that is associated with the coupling.

Fig. 5 is a vertical, cross section through the assembly shown in Fig. 3, taken on line V-V of said figure.

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the coupling, with which has been associated a terminal of another character than that shown in the previous mentioned figures.

Fig. "l is an end elevation of the tip that is carried at each end of the ignition cable, and,

Fig. 8 is a top plan elevation of a coupling embodying the features of this invention, and showing still another typ of terminal associated therewith.

As indicated by the broken portions of Figs.

1 and 2, the lengths of the ignition cables themselves vary in accordance with the place of installation. It is the structural features of the 50 hereinafter described ignition cable and parts which make it possible for the broader advantages to be realized from thisinvention, and since all cables, tips thereon, and couplings associated with said tips are alike for all lengths of cables ignition cable proper should consist of a length of wire 10 properly insulated by a coating of suitable material 12, which is shorter in length than wire 10, whereby to allow rebending the ends of wire 10 back over insulation 12, as illustrated in Fig. 3. This extended portion of wire 10 is contacted metal to metal through the entire length of that portion projecting beyond in-' sulation 12. Such contact is effected through the medium of a formed metallic tip 14, one of which is afllxed to each end of the cable and secured against displacement by forming a pair of spaced apart annular, continuous depressions 16, one of which bears against the rebent portion of the extended part of wire 10 with such force that the same is indented into insulation 12, as illustrated in Fig. 3.

A cap 18, integral with the skirt 20, lies against the end of insulation 12 and a portion of the extended length of wire 10, and completely closes the end of tip 14 after it has been bent down around its connection 22 to skirt 20, into a position where it is circumscribed by skirt 20, as shown in Fig. '7. This tip 14 may be positioned in any suitable manner, but obviously, a special die having a contour like that of the finished product is preferable and when annular depressions 16 are being formed, the pressure exerted should be equal so that a true cylindrical form may be maintained.

Between annular depressions 18, a laterally extending, resilient tongue 24 is created by pressing outwardly a small portion of the side wall of skirt 20 so that yielding engagement with an associated member might take place and efi'ect a perfect electrical contact. This tongue 24 may be made as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, and functions to engage the .novel coupling 26, as shown in Fig. 3.

Tips 14 are formed to engage the ordinary coil and distributor sockets of an internal combustion engine without use of additional parts. As hereinbefore mentioned, the lengths of cable are such that no alteration becomes necessary when installing a set of ignition cables embodying this invention, but in some instances the spark plug terminals are of dififerent characters and the spark plugs are oftentimes disposed at an angle.

It is the aim of this invention to provide a standard coupling 26, which will fit over any of tips 14, and which also is formed to receive in an adjustable manner, any one of a number of different types of terminals. Coupling 26 telescopingly engages tip 14 when it is in the operative relation thereto, and one of a pair of annular beads 28 forming an internal continuous, annular groove, receives the laterally extended end of resilient tongue 24, whereby to permit rotary movement around the axis of tip 14, yet preclude longitudinal movement thereof unless sumcient force is exerted to overcome the tension of tongue 24.

To create a neat appearance, the adjacent edges of tip 14 and coupling 26 should be in the same transverseplane as shown in the drawing, especially Fig. 3, and to permit of carrying out one of the broader objects of the invention, coupling 26 is made to represent a hollow head 30 havingv an arcuate end through which is formed slot 32, which continues along one side of head 30 to terminate in communication with mouth 34, through which the latter described appropriate terminal may be moved to the operative 'relation. Such construction therefore, presents a coupling having a hollow head, through one end of which is formed an arcuate slot by virtue of the fact that the end wall is arcuate tangentially, joins one side of the head, wherein a mouth is formed which is in communication with the slot and which also extends transversely thereof to project to each side of the slot. Obviously, such coupling is extremely simple to make and may be positioned without diificulty and, besides the structure just mentioned, this coupling 26 includes. a plurality of opposed notches 36 for the purpose of detaining and maintaining the appropriate terminal in the right position. v

Now with respect to the terminals, any one of which may be associated with coupling 26. As before mentioned, the various types of spark plug terminals call for different types of cable terminals. Enough of these various types are i1-' lustrated in the drawing to indicate the scope of this invention, and reference to Figs. 1, 3 and 4 will teach how to construct what is known as a snap terminal so that it may be used with the novel coupling hereinbefore described. Fig. 6 shows what is commonly termed a thrust termi- ;nal, while Fig. 8 illustrates the ordinary slipon terminal. In so far as the concepts of this invention are concerned, the character of terminal makes little or no difference so long as it is made to function and be associated with coupling 26 as is about to be made clear.

With reference to snap terminals 38, the same has a split tube 40 provided with annular embosses 42, whereby yieldable engagement might be had with any number of spark plug terminals. One end of terminal 38 is formed to present a pair of opposed springable members 42 that are presented as a result of bifurcating one end of terminal 38. These members 42 are springable toward each other from a normal position and the distance between such members 42, which is defined by the breadth of slot 44, may be decreased when the ends of members 42 are moved into hollow head 30 of coupling 26. Each of members 42 is provided with an outtumed foot 46 which precludes movement of terminal 38 outwardly from within head 30 after the ends thereof have been moved to place through mouth 34.

Since the end of head 30 is arcuate and it is desired to establish as much metal to metal contact as is possible, feet 46 are arcuate to a like radius as the end of head 30. Obviously, members 42 are pressed together as they enter slot 32 and they continue to bear against the edges of said slot so long as the parts are in assembled relation. Novel formation is presented to notonly allow arresting the movement of terminal .38 against travel along slot 32, but also to preclude movement of terminal 38 further into hollow head 30 than is shown in Fig. 3. To accomplish this purpose, a semi-conical portion 48 is pressed outwardly from each member 42, the apex or point of which portion lies adjacent the respective foot 46 and is high enough to snap ativeiy moved, said terminal being resilient and any tendency to move terminal 38 into head 80 will be overcome by the wedgins action set up by engagement of such portion with notch 36.

The resiliency of members 421s great enough to maintain said members in strong frictional en-* gagement with the edges of slot 82. Fig. illustrates the large amount of contacting surface set up and it is understood that any number. of notches 36 may be provided whereby the angularity between coupling 26 and terminal 38 may.

relation shown in full lines and the longitudinalalignment indicated by dotted lines.

As before mentioned, Fig. 6 illustrated a terminal 60, identical in every respect with the parts just described, but having what is commonly called a thrust terminal 62 for the purpose of engaging spark plug terminals requiring such structure. Fig. 8 likewise illustrates-aterminal 70 made precisely as the form specifically described. The onlydifference is the form of terminal 72. This form is of the slip-on type so well known in the art.

The advantages of providing such ignition cable structure are at once apparent when it is understood that connection to any type of spark plug disposed at any angle might be accompnliihed simply by inter-changin the form of ter- Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Let- 1 ters Patent is:

1. An ignition cable comprising, in combination, a length of insulated wire, said wire being of greater length than its insulation and extend ing beyond the end thereof, said extended portions being rebent toward the opposite end of the wire to be against the side of the insulation, and a tip at the end of said cable, said tip having an embracing skirt, a disk-shaped cap integral therewith to entirely close the end of said skirt, a pair of annular depressions formed inwardly of the skirt and pressed into the said insulation, and a laterally extended outwardly disposed resilient tongue integral with said skirt between said annular depressions, said rebent portion of the wire bearing against said cap and underlying one of said annular depressions.

2. An ignition cable comprising, in combination, a length of insulated wire; a tip of like form secured to each end respectively of said cable, in contact with said wire; a resilient, laterally extending tongue formed by each tip; a coupling telescopingly secured to one of said tips, having an arcuate slot formed therein; and a terminal removably associated with said coupling, said terminal having a compressible portion yieldably engaging the slot-forming part of said coupling. whereby the same maybe yieldably maintained in any oneof a plurality of adjusted relative positions.

3. An ignition cable comprising, in combination, a length of insulated wire; a tip encasing the end of said cable and in contact with said wire; a coupling telescopingly secured to said tip; a hollow slotted head formed by the coupling; a mouth formed in the wall of said head, in communication with the slot and extending transversely thereto; and a compressible terminal extending into said head through said slot, said terminal being introduced into said slot through the said mouth and frictionally engaging the portion of said head forming the slot as it is relin frictionalengagement with the walls of the head at the said slot.

4. In an ignition-cable, the combination with a length of tipped insulated wire, of adjustable terminal structure comprising a hollowcoupling 1 having one end thereof opento receive the tipped end of said wire; a slot formedin the wall thereof at the opposite end; and a compressible terminalextending into said head through said slot, the slot extending along one side of said coupling whereby to permit moving the terminal from longitudinal alignment with the coupling to a position extending laterally therefrom, said terminal frictionally engaging the sides of the slot as movement takes place.

5. In an ignition cable, the combination with a length of tippedinsulated wire, of adjustable terminal structure comprising a hollow couplin having one end thereof open to receive the tipped end of said wire; a slot formed in the wall thereof at the opposite end; and an adjustable terminal extending into said coupling through said slot,

the slot extending across the-end and along one side of said coupling whereby to permit moving the terminal from longitudinal alignment with the coupling to a position extending laterally therefrom, said terminal being resilient and bifurcated along the portion thereof entering said slot, allowing compression and thereby to create pressure against the sides of said slot.

6. In an ignition cable, adjustable terminal structure comprising a hollow coupling having an open and a closed end; a slot formed in the closed end and extending along the side of said coupling; a mouth in communication with said slot, transversely thereof; a terminal having opposed members springable toward each other, whereby to enter said slot through the said mouth;

and coacting members formed on each member respectively and in the slot walls to prevent longitudinal movement of the terminal within the slot and to yieldably maintain said-terminal in the adjusted position, said coacting members including a detent formed on each member of said terminal and notches formed in the coupling in communication with said slot.

7. In an ignition cable, adjustable terminal structure comprising a hollow coupling having an. open and a closed end; a slot formed in the closed end and extending along the side of said coupling; notches in the coupling in communication with said slot; a mouth in communication with said slot, transversely thereof; a terminal having opposed members springable toward each other, whereby to enter said slot through the said mouth; an outturned foot formed on the end of each opposed member respectively to preclude movement of the terminal from position in one direction; and an inclined portion formed on said terminal and engageable by the respective notches to prestructure comprising a hollow coupling; an arcuate wall having a slot formed therein at one end of said coupling; a terminal having opposed members springable towardv each other frictionally engaging the sides of said slot; and arcuate feet formed on said members within said hollow coupling, said wall and feet being concentric to evenly contact as relative movement takes place.

9. In an ignition cable, adjustable terminal structure comprising a hollow coupling; an arcuate slot formed in one end of said coupling; a terminal having opposed members springable toward each other frictionally engaging the sides of said slot, and extending into said coupling; outturned feet formed on said members within said hollow coupling and engaging the inner walls thereof to 'prevent displacement in one direction longitudinally of the terminal,saidopposed members each having 'asemi-conical portion embossed therein serving as detents for the terminal, the apex of said embossed portion being at the foot formed thereby; and opposed notches formed in the edges of said slot to receive a portion of the embossed portions whereby the terminal is yieldably held in a given position.

10. An'ignitio'n cable comprising, in combination, a length of insulated wire; a tip of like form secured to each end respectively of said cable; a hollow coupling removably secured to one of said tips comprising an arcuate end wall having a slot formed therein; and a terminal having a pair of opposed springable members, projecting intovsaid coupling through the said slot to effect frictional engagement between-the same and to allow quick separation and bodily movement of the terminal along the slot of the coupling by compressing together the said members.

11. An ignition cable comprising, in combination, a length of insulated wire; a tip secured to the end thereof having a resilient tongue integral therewith and extending laterally therefrom; a coupling telescopingly secured to said tip having an annular groove to receive said resilient tongue; a hollow slotted head formed by the coupling; and a terminal having a portion extending through said slot into the hollow head, said terminal being resilient and in frictional engagement with the walls of the head at the said slot whereby to be adjusted relative to said coupling.

12, An ignition cable for automobiles having ignition coils, distributors and spark plugs, comprising an insulated wire of predetermined length. completely finished and ready to install without change having a portion of said wire extending beyond the insulation thereof at each end and rebent upon itself to be along the surface of said insulation; a tip of like character and of cylindrical form to each end respectively of said cable and encompassing the said rebent portion of the wire along the length thereof extending along the surface of the insulation; a resilient,

laterally extending member on each tip respectively adapted to engage the inner wall of the sockets of either the ignition coil and/or distributor; a substantially tubular coupling having a hollow head and an internal contour like that of the sockets of the ignition coils and/ or distributors to selectively receive said tips; and a terminal selectively positioned on the said couplingto form a connection for the cable to one of the spark plugs whereby the ignition cable may serve more than one function and in more than one position on an automobile, said coupling having an annular groove to receive the laterally extending memher of either tip and a slot formed through the wall of the hollow head to receive a portion of said terminal, said terminal being resilient and in frictional engagement with the walls of the head at the slot to permit adjustment from a position in longitudinal alignment with said cable to positions extending laterally therefrom.

JOHN TAYLOR. 

